Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1887-06-23
THE GENIEAHIIl HISTORY Of OHIO.
BY w.FARRASD YKLoH.

L / lSASN6At NChA W httlty rs Ntll Nuc dpDdTtul
demand for such a work, were the main
incentives in the preparation of this Centen-
nial History
The author claims no great amount of
originality for this work, his task having
been mainly that of compiler, arranging in
proper and suitable form the main facts in
the history of the State, as well as biographi-
cal sketches of its leading men, as memorials
of the past and monitors for the future. But,
to readers unacquainted with the labor and
application necessary to complete such a
task, it will seem comparatively easy, and he
will have small credit for the work. 1t may,
however, be said frankly at the outset, that
he has spent over years time on it and has
obtained all the facts detailed or alluded to in
it from only reliable sources and from the very
best authorities, and in so doing he has spared
no Pains to make it complete, ,succinct and thor
Oughly comprehensive. 1t will also be found
to contain not only faithful narrative of
the historical facts connected with the State,
but largely of the whole Northwestern Terri
tory of which it was once a part.
In the Pioneer Period' nothing has been
omitted that is of permanent and abiding
interest, and worthy of perusaI.. In con-
sidering the origin and history of the Mound
builders, and the later races of red men, the
latest date and deductions have been consult
ed and arranged in careful sequence. The
French occupation, and the French and
Indian wars following, receive due attention,
and being in proper perspective they can not
fail to give reliable picture of the times of
earlier occupation which have been hitherto
invested with halo of myth and mystery.
The story of the invasion of the English and
of their occupation ofthe soil until they we're
compelled to relinquish their rights at the
close of the war of 1912, is also graphically
and forcibly told, and the final ascendency of
the American born "lords of the soil, !" whose
descendants to-day hold it in peace and pros
perity, is given atconsiderable length.
In Part Second the earliest settlements
have received careful treatment in chrono-
logical order and relative importance, which
no other history has attempted SO far. The
formation Of the State and of the first coun-
ties under the State, and the services of the
earliest statesmen in effecting its permanent
organization receive due attention. The
Executive of the State; the old Bench and
Bar; the pioneer authors and other prominent
men, all come in for full share in this
interesting story.
In Part Third the late civil war and later
events are treated at full length, and the
biographies of our civil and political leaders
and current or late events, are given due
importance in completing the work to the
present day. Especial interest is attached to
the story of the great internal Improvements
and resources of the State; the origin of its
cities, towns, schools, and colleges; the in
fuence of its public men and prominent
citizens in moulding and finishing the struc-
ture; and many other matters conducive to
its growth, perpetuity, and prosperity.
The war record of the State, including the
history of the French and Indian wars, the |
Revolution and the war of 1872, as well as
the late Rebellion, speak volumes for the
patriotism of its people, as well as its liberal
contributions towards the maintenance of
the honor and glory of the whole Union, and
for the preservation of its liberty.
The Indian history is also complete; the
first settlements of the white race and their
extension and development have been care
fully traced, while the customs and observ-
ances of the sturdy pioneers of the State are
given as picturesque back ground. 1t has
been the constant endeavor and desire of the |
author to preserve proper perspective, and
to complete the picture by car eful blending |
of the lights and shades of the history of our |
grand old commonwealth.
We owe not only our lives but our charac- |
ters to the sturdy yeomen who went before |
US to hew out pathway for civilization, |
bearing the brunt of the battle, while we of |
the present day enjoy the blessings of peace !
and prosperity. To these noble pioneers we |
owe everything b " --Ef & -.
The Star of Empire has ever moved west |
ward. The vast Aryan emigrations from |
Central Asia peopled Europe, coming wave
upon wave in food-tide that could not be |
turned back, nor yet varied from
its regular course by any obstacle. The /
Gauls later succumbed to Caesar, the Celts of |
Britain to Hengist and Horsa and their horde
of followers. When the mighty continent of
Europe was fully peopled and overfowing,
Providence opened new continent and it
was speedily possessed by the nations of the
East; and even yet the tide of emigration
continues with an ever increasing volume,
and "the Star of Empire westward takes its
way"
But the pioneers of our western world were
of class unknown to Europe. They were
not like the fierce Huns and Gauls of the |
Dark ages. Nor were they like the Puritans |
and Pilgrims, the meek and lowly settlers of
our American sea-board. They were descend
ants of both of these, hut were men of sterner
stuff than they, suited to baek-woods life and
the hazards and dangers of savage warfare;
they we're, in fact, peculiar to the West-and
like the Innian race that fed before their
onslaught, they are fast disappearing from
our land. Even the "Argonauts of '49" were
were but a tame copy of the original type,
and were moved by love of pelf, not love of
liberty. They were hardy brood end we
shall not look upon their like again in this
country. They moved from the sea.board to
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